For years, Fox has been teasing us with the possibility of a 24 movie. It’s happening. Then it’s not happening. Then it’s happening again. Then it’s not. Then it’s happening as a wrap-up for the show. Then it’s happening in addition to the show. Then it’s not happening. And so on, and so forth. There’s been so many twists in the tale, dammit, that even Jack Bauer himself might find it hard to keep up.
But now, it would seem, it’s happening. For real. Definitely. Why? Because EW is reporting that Billy Ray, the writer-director of the excellent Shattered Glass and the less-excellent Breach, has pitched Fox his take on a 24 movie screenplay – and it would seem that they’re biting.
Now, let’s not get too carried away yet. This is all very early doors, and any decision on a 24 movie is apparently dependent on the fate of the TV show. Currently in its eighth season, 24 has been experiencing a small ratings downturn recently, and the moment of renewal truth grows ever nearer, with the show’s writing staff about to embark on writing the final two episodes. If Fox cancels the show, those two episodes will becomes a series finale and, in all probability, a set-up for the movie. If Fox decide to keep Jack chugging away for Season Nine, the movie may be delayed. Again.
If the movie happens, it seems unlikely that Ray would direct, but he’s a fine choice as writer. He’s got a pretty good track record with big-screen thrillers – he wrote** State Of Play** and the in-development, hotly-touted, President-under-siege movie, Motorcade – and could be the right guy to bring Kiefer Sutherland’s apparently unstoppable bad-ass to the silver screen.
Thoughts? Are you still excited about a 24 movie? Or is it time to give Jack a quiet and dignified farewell?